Vehicle wheel



May 20 1941 c. FIERRO VEHICLE WHEEL med sept. 2s, a1940 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 May 20,1941. y c. FERRO I 1 2,242,425

v VEHICLE wazap h Filed sept. 25.11940 2 sheets-,sheet 2 INVE TOR ATTORNEYS Patented May 20, 19,414 l Casimiro Ferrmlzvest New Brighton,A Staten land, N. Y. 'A Application september 23, 194o,iser1a1N. 357,911 somma. (ci. 152-405) This invention relates to vehicle wheels, and l particularly- .to a detachable wheel sectionl including a drop center tire rim of standard shape. VIt is the principal object of the invention to providea simple and improved construction for such -a rim whereby the opposite flanges of the rim can be easily separated to facilitate removal and application of the tire without requiring prying of the casing over the rim ofthe anges.

With the foregoing and other objects in view I Fig. 14 is a transverse section of the rim portion-of, the wheel showing still another modication;

Fig. 15 is a section thereof substantially on line I -I5 ofFig. 14; and l" Fig. 16 is a side elevation of a portion of the j rim of Fig. removed from the central supporting member.

have devised a construction illustrated in the accompanying drawings forming a part of this specification. It is, however, to be understood that I am not limited tothe sp'eciiic details A shown 'but may employ' various changes 'and modications within the scope of the invention.

In these drawings: l

Fig.- 1 is a section through the rim portion of a vehicle wheel substantially on line I-I oi' Fig. 2 with the Acentral supporting section in elevation:

Fig. 2 is a side 'elevation of a portion thereof with a part of the flange broken away to show the construction of the securing means 'fastening the separable sections together, the flange section being substantially on line -2-2 of Fig. 1, and the canvas strip between the inner tube and the bottom wall of the rim being omitted;

Fig. 3 is a transverse section substantially on Kline I-I of Fig. 2 showing one rim section sepa,-

rated from the other;

Fig. 4 is a detail section substantially on line 2-f2 of Fig. 1 but with the tire removed;

Fig. 5 is a transverse section similar to Fig. 3

with the tire removed but the two sections of4 the rim in their normal assembled position;

Fig. 6 is a transverse section through the rim portion of a wheel showing a modified construction; l Fig. '7 is a section substantially on line 1-1 ofFig.6:

Fig. 8 is` a section of theleft hand portion of the rim of Fig. 6 taken substantially on line 8--8v of Fig. 9;

Fig. 9 isl an elevation of a portion of `the section looking from thel right of Fig. 8:

Fig. 10 is a transverse'section of the rim portion oi ythe wheel showing another modication;

Fig. 11 is a section substantially on line II-II oi Fig. 10;v Fig. 12 is a side elevation of av portionof the looking toward the right of Fig. 13;;

The wheel shown comprisesan inner or sup- Aporting section which may be the brake drum I0,

or other element connected therewith, to which the outer removable section v, is detachably connected. This in the -usual'const'ruction compri/ses a web portion Il of any suitable shape to give it the required strength and stiffness and having a series of openings I2 therethrough for securing bolts I3 mounted on the supporting section II).l These openings I2 may be ordinary round openings through which the bolts I3 extend and then theweb is clamped to the supporting member by nuts I4.l It is, however, preferred to use keyhole 'shaped openings substantially as shown in my prior application Serial Number 318,671, led February 13, 1940, in which the narrow'partof the opening is of a width substantially the diameter of the bolt I2 andthe wider portion is sufiiciently large to permit Y. passage of the nut Il. By'turning the web II f inlngutJ1andsection or the rim of Figs. 1o and 11 to bring the bolts into the narrow portion of the keyhole shaped openings and then setting up the nuts I4 4the removable section is effectively clamped to the inner section. The outer or removable section canbe easily removed by loosen-'- ing the bolts I4, then rotating the outer section including the web I I a short distance to bring the bolts into the wider portions ofthe openings in which the outer section Vmay be drawn outwardly away from the supporting section I0 Without completely removing the nuts or bolts.

The rim proper is mounted on an outer portion of theweb II. This rim comprises two laterally spaced flanges I5 and I6 and at the inner edges of these flanges are substantially horizontal inwardly extending portions I1 and I8. Ex-

tending radially inward 4from the inner edges ofl these portions I1- and I8 are laterally spaced' ally separated to permit easy removal vof the tire from the rim and as easy application of the tire to the'rim. Thus as shown in Fig. 3 the flange I8 andthe connection portions I8 and 20 are the regular drop center shape in cross section.

The two rim sections including the flange portions I5 and. I8 and the portions |1 to 2l are detachably connected together by bolts 25 extending transversely between the radial portions I 5 and 2li. 'I'hese portions have openings 25 for passage of the bolts, and the bolts are also held against lateral movement by brackets 21 extending transversely betweenl the radial portions I9 and 20. These brackets may be constructed in different ways, but the simplest is merely a strip of metal having bases 28 riveted or otherwise fastened to the portion 2| as indicated at 29 and the central portion looped over and embracing the bolt 25. This will securely hold the bolt against lateral movement relativeto either rimsection and prevent relative turning ofthe rim sections. This strip 25 is preferably of substantially the same gauge or thickness as the portion 2|. but of course this is not necessary. Also. as shown in'Figs. 1, 3 and 5, the width of this bracket 21 is the same as the distance between the radial portions I9 and 20 so that when the rim sections are in assembled relation and secured by the lbolts 25 the radial portions I9 and seat on and are supported by the ends of these brackets and therefore are always held in the proper spaced relation and the rim sections cannot be bent out of shape by tightening the bolts too much. There may be a slight clearance between the edges at the line of separation 22 to insure that the radial portions I9 and 20 seat on the opposite ends of the brackets 21. 'I'he connecting portion 2| may be formed in one piece with the web II, or as in the common construction the web. II may have a flange to which the portion 2| is riveted or otherwise fastened.

It is also preferred that u,the line of separation 22 be spaced back a.short. distance from the free edge 3| of the flange 30 as shown in Figs. 1, 3 and 5 at 32. This permits the free edge of the portion 2 a on the other rim section to overlap the flange I0 somewhat and thus properly similar implements.

placing the other sectionv having the ange I in position thereon and tightening up thebolts 25. The tire can then be inflated and used in the usual manner.- It will thus be seen that the tire may be easily applied 'to and removed from the rim without the necessity of prying it over the edge of the rim by the use of tire irons or The bolts 25 do not mar the appearance of the wheel because. although their heads l5 are on the front face of thewheel. they are inconspicuous and not objectionable. or if preferred they can be made practically invisible by countersinking them in the radial portion I9. The brackets 21 projecting above the bottom portion 2| are not objectionable because the tube 24 readily ad-V justs itself to the contour of these brackets as indicated in Fig. 2, and these brackets are entirely concealed. The tire may be used either with or without the narrow canvas strip 35 as desired. This canvas strip is shown in place in Fig. 1 but is omitted in the other figures.

It will be seen this construction and arrangement does not change the fundamental shape ofthe standard drop center rim because the line of separation 22 is inthe portion 2| at the bottom of the drop center. Therefore the present .designs do, not .have to be changed. Also, as

the connecting means for the separable rim sections comprises the bolts 25 which extend between the radial portions I8 and 20 this does not require changing of the shape or design of the drop center rim or the addition of inwardly l extending flanges, and Athe brackets 21 effectively support the rim sections and maintain the bolts in proper position. These brackets and rate member secured to the bottom or central horizontal wall of the rim. In the forms shown in Figs. 6 to 13 this bracket or equivalent memlin the form of Figs. 14 to 16 it is formed in one piece with the flange of the inner or central supporting web portion of the wheel. In all forms one rim section and the brackets are rigidly secured together or attached so they in eii'ect form an integral structure, andin the specificacenter the removable rim section with respect tothe other section and maintain it in this central portion. This centering is also assisted by the base portions 28 of the brackets 21 overhanging the free edge of the portion 2| as shown at Il. Fig. 3, so as to overlap the portion 2id of the removable section.

To remove a. tire from the rim the removable section of the wheel is removed from the central support II after loosening the nuts Il as previously described. This removable wheel section may then be placed flat yon a horizontal support tion and claims the term "integral" is used in a vgeneric sense as including all these forms shown.

Referring first `to Figs. 6 to 9, inclusive, the rim comprises the two anges 5 and Il, the horizontal portions |1 and I8, the inwardly or radially A e'xtending side portions Il and 2l whichare such as the floor or pavement, and after the tire has been deflated the nuts 34 of the bolts 425 removed. Then the section comprising the flange Il may be lifted upwardly away from the `to the opposite sides of the tire or to apply the tire to the section having the flange Il and then spaced laterally from each other in substantially parallel relationandhave extending between their inner edges the bottom or central horizontal wall portion 20a corresponding to the central wall portion 2 of Fig. l.. In this construction however this central wall portion is integral with the side wall 20 and extends to the opposite side wall il which is separable therefrom at itsinner wall, the line of separation being indicated at 34a.' At spaced intervals this central wall 20a is cut where it joins the side wall 2li and then the portion opposite this cut is forced' outwardly to form the loop I5 which comprises a bracket corresponding to the bracket 21 in theV form of Figs. 1 to 5. The opposite ends of these brackets form supports or seats for the side walls 20 and Il, and the bolt 25 'extends' through this bracket and clamps the side walls against the opposite ends of prismg the wan ls, la and 2n. As in the other' this bracket the same asin the iirst form. 'I'he rim is fastened to the ange 36 of the central web portion II by any suitable means such as the rivets 31. By taking oifrthe nuts 34 of the bolts theright hand section of the rim comprising the walls I5, I1 and I9 may be removed permitting easier removal of the tire. In this construction the iiange 36 of the central supporting web II may be made wider so as to extend under the inner ledge of the side wall I9 as shown at 36 so as to forma guide and centering means for the removable section of the rim to facilitate placing it in proper position. 'I'he bolt 25 as in the first form, passes through openings in the side walls I9 and 20 as Well as the brackets 35. 'I'hese openings in the side walls correspond to the openings 26 as shown in Figs. 3 and 5.

The construction of Figs. 10, ll, 12 and 13 is the same as that of Figs. 6 and 9 except that the central horizontal wall portion 39 ol.' the rim is integral with the rightI hand section of the rim comprising the wall portions I5, I1 and I9. 'I'his central portion is cut from the wall I9 at spaced points and forced outwardly to form the bracket or loop 40 corresponding to the bracket or loop 36. As in the other form this bracket extends between the side walls I9 and 20 and the bolt 25 passes through this bracket or loop and openings in the sidewalls I9 and 26 to clamp the side walls against the opposite ends of this bracket, the same as in the other form. 'I'he line of separation between the wall 20 and the central wall 39 is indicated at 6I. The ange 42 of the central supporting portion II may be extended beyond the free edge of the central horizontal wall 39 and under the inner edge of the side Wall 26 as shown in Fig. 10 so as to guide and center the forms removal of the nuts 34 will permit removal of this removable section to allow easy re'- moval or the tire from the rim.

It will be seen from the above that all forms operate in the same manner and that the tire may be easily and quickly applied to and removed from the rim without the necessity of prying it Having thus set forth the nature of my invenl tion,what I claim is:

1. In a vehicle wheel, a removable outer section including a drop center tire rim comprising rim sections including spaced side flanges and which are laterally separable between the flanges to permit removal of a tire, said rim including substantially horizontal portions extending inwardly from the flanges, laterally spaced substantially parallel portions extending radially inward from the inner edgesof said second portions and a substantially horizontal portion connecting the inner edgesof said radial portions, bolts exremovable section of the rim comprising the wall I6, I8 and 20. By removing the nuts '34'this section may be removed to permit easy removal of the tire as in the other forms.

In the vforms shown in Figs. 14 to 16 the central' -horizontalwall portion 43 of the rim corresponde ing to the portions 2I, 20a and 39 of the other forms is provided at suitable spaced intervals with transverse 'openings or notches 43a extending between the side walls I9 and/20. This central Wall is secured to a flange 44 of the central supporting web portion II oi the wheel by any suitable means as the-rivets 31, 'but this flange 4B is of a width at least equal to the distance between the side walls I9 and 26. This flange is cut from the web I I opposite the openings 43a` and then the wall of this flange ris forced outwardly to form the brackets or loops 45 corresponding to the brackets orloops 21, 35 and 46 of the other forms. These brackets, however, being integral with the flange 46 extend outwardly through the notches or openings 43a so as to be located between the side walls I9 and 20 of the separable sections of the rim and to form seats at their opposite ends against which these side walls are clamped by the bolts 2 5 passing through the brackets 65 and openings in the side walls I9 and 26. e may be integral with eithery the side wall I9 or the side wall 26, but in the present construction, it is shown integral with wall I9 and the line of separation between the two sections of the brim is shown at 46 a short distance inwardly from the The central horizontal wall.43

tending transversely through the spaced radial portions to detachably connect the rim sections together, and transverse holders for the bolts extending between said radial portions and integral with one rim section and forming supporting s'eats at their opposite ends for said radial portions.

2. In a vehicle wheel, an outer removable section including a drop center tire rim comprising Arim sections including spaced side flanges and which are laterally separable between .the ilanges to permit' removal of a tire, substantially horlzontal portions extending inwardly. from said flanges, Alaterally spaced substantially parallel portions extending radially inward from the inner edges of said second portions and a substantially horizontal portion connecting the inner edges of said radial portions, bolts extending transversely between the radial portions to detachaibiy secure the rim sections together, and supporting brackets for the bolts integral with one rim section and extending transversely be' tween the radialv portions and forming seats forv said portions at their opposite ends.

3. In a. vehicle wheel, an outer removable section including asdrop center tire rim comprising rim sections including spaced side flanges and which are laterally separable between the i'langes to permit removal of a tire, substantially horlzontal portions extending inwardly from said iianges, laterally spaced substantially parallel portions extending radially inward from the inner edges of said'secondportions and a substantially horizontalportion' connecting thevi'nner Y edges of said radial portions \in which the line of separation is located, brackets rigidly secured to said latter horizontal portion and forming side wall 26. This provides a short horizontal v seats at their opposite ends for the radial portions, and bolts extending transversely through 4. In a vehicle wheel, an outer removable section including a drop center tire rim comprising rim sections including spaced side flanges and which are laterally separable between the iianges l to permit removal oi a tire, substantially horizontal portions extending inwardly from said ilanges, laterally spaced substantially parallel portions extending radially inward from the inner edges of said second portions and; a substantially horizontal portion connecting the inner edges of said radial portions in which tli'eline ot separation is located, a supporting web having a. horizontal fiange at the inner side of the said latter horizontal portion of the rim and to which said horizontal portion is secured, the free end ot said latter ilanse projecting beyond the line of separation so that the central portion on the removable section oi the rim overlaps the free edge -of-said flange to center the removable section of the rim on the other section. and means for de tachably securing the flanges against separation.

5. In a vehicle wheel, an outer removable section including a drop-center tire rim comprisingv laterally separable sections. said rim including laterally spaced flanges, substantially horizontal portions extending inwardly from lsaid ilanges, laterally spaced substantially parallel portions extending inwardly from the inner edges of said second portions and a substantially horizontal bottom and central portion extending between the inner edges of said radial portions and in which the line of separation between the sections is located, brackets having base portions secured to said central portion and extending transversely between said radial portionsv and tion of the rim overlaps said ange to center said removable section thereon. i

"I, In a vehicle wheel, an outer removable section including a drop center tire rim comprising spaced'side ilanges which are laterally separablev between the flanges to permit removal of a tire,

' substantially horizontal portions extending informing seats for said portions on the opposite ends thereof, bolts extending through the brack- 'ets and said radial portions to detachably secure th'e sections together, and said base portions of l the brackets extending beyond the line of separatlonbetween the sections and overlapping the central portionon the removable section to center said section on the other section.

6. In a vehicle wheel, an outer removable section including a drop center tire rim comprising laterally separable sections, said rim including laterally spaced flanges, substantially horizontal vportions extending inwardly from said ilanges. ylaterally spaced substantially parallel side portions extending inwardly from the inner edges of said second portions and a substantially horizontal bottom and central portion extending between the inner edgesoi said radial portions and in which the line of separation between the secsecured to the inner side oi said bottom portion,

and said line of separation being spaced inwardly from the edge oi said iiange on the web so that the bottom portion on the removable secwardly from said flanges, laterally spaced substantially parallel portions extending radially inward from theinner edges of said second portions and a substantially horizontal central portion extending between the inner edges oi said radial portions in which the line of separation is located, said central portion being looped outwardly at spaced intervals to form brackets extending between the radial lportions and forming seats at their opposite ends for said radial portions, and bolts extending transversely through said brackets and the said radial portions to clamp said portions against the ends oi' the brackets and to detachably secure the ilanges together.

8. In a vehicle wheel, an outer removable section including a drop center tire rim comprising laterally separable sections, said rim including laterally spaced anges, substantially horizontal portions extending inwardly from said ilanges, laterally spaced substantially parallel side portions extending inwardly irom the inner edges of said second portions and a substantially horizontal bottom and central portion extending between. the inner edges of said radial portions and in which the line of separation between the sections is located, said central portion, having spaced yopenings therein extending transversely between the side portions, a central supporting web having a horizontal flange secured to the inner side of said central portion, said latter ilange being looped outwardly at spaced intervals to extend through said openings in the central portion to form brackets extending between the side portions and forming seats at their opposite ends for said side portions, and bolts extending transversely through said brackets and the said side portions to clamp said portions against the ends of the brackets and to detachably secure the brackets together. 9. In a vehicle wheel, an outer removable section including a drop center tire rim comprising,

rim sections including spaced side flanges and which are laterally separable between the ilanges 4to permit removal of a tire, substantially horizontal portions extending inwardly from said flanges, laterally spaced substantialh' parallel portions extending radially inward from the inner edges of said second portions and a substantially horizontal central portion extending between the inner edges of said radial portions in which the lin'e ofy separation is located, spaced brackets between said radial portions and integral with one rim section, and bolts extending transversely through said brackets and the said radial portions to detachably secure the ilanges together.

CASIMIRO FERRO. 

